Local development framework LDF
Local Development Frameworks (LDF) were introduced under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. They were a set of documents prepared by a local planning authority which set out the spatial planning strategy for the local area, describing a vision for the area addressing the needs and opportunities in relation to housing, the economy, infrastructure and amenities. They also provided the basis for planning authorities to determine planning applications.
They replaced the previous system of county level structure plans, district level local plans, and unitary authority level unitary development plans, which were considered too difficult to change. Local Development Frameworks created a more flexible portfolio of documents that could be easily updated.
Local Development Frameworks consisted of:
- Development Plan Documents (DPD): A range of planning policy documents that set out the approach to development in the area, typically including a Core Strategy, Development Control Documents, Site Allocations proposals, area specific Action Plans, Proposals Maps and a Statement of Community Involvement.
- Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD): Providing further information and details to support the policies found in the development plan documents.
Local Development Frameworks were prepared in line with a Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) until it was announced that they would be abolished in 2010.
However, the Localism Act 2011, and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), introduced in 2012, consolidated the plan preparation process, replacing the term 'Local Development Framework' with the term 'Local Plan'. Rather confusingly however, both terms appear to continue in use, and the term ‘Development Plan Documents’ can also be used to describe the Local Plan.
Local Plans are prepared by one or more district planning authorities, setting out a framework for the future development of an area on a 15-year horizon. They define; the priorities for an area, strategic policies, the framework for neighbourhood plans, land allocations, infrastructure requirements, housing needs, requirements for safeguarding the environment, measures for adapting to climate change and so on. Local Plans are also the starting-point for considering whether planning applications should be approved. As with the Local Development Frameworks, Local Plans may be made up of a range of separate documents.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Core strategy.
- Development plan.
- Development plan documents.
- Local development scheme.
- Local plan.
- Neighbourhood plan.
- NPPF.
- Planning authorities.
- Planning permission.
- Preferred options.
- Regional spatial strategy.
- Safeguarding land.
- Saved policies.
- Skeffington Report.
- Supplementary planning documents.
- The London Plan.
Featured articles and news
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
A brief description of a smart construction dashboard, collecting as-built data, as a s site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure bill oulined
With reactions from IHBC and others on its potential impacts.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.